The biggest gift-giving time of any holiday season is fast approaching.
Offshore suppliers have long ago geared up with humongous numbers of cheap, mass-produced items, packaged in attractive boxes that would widen the eyes of anyone on Christmas Day. But is it not time that we think outside of these glittering “buy me” boxes?
If we are going to play Santa Claus, is it not time that we read the fine print that tells us from whence it originally came? Would there not be more pride in giving a gift that says “Made in Canada”? Does the thought not disturb you that the gift made offshore could well be taking the food right out of the mouths of fellow unemployed Canadians?
Would it not be wise to think of gift certificates for outings at locally-owned restaurants? Local crafts are always available in shirts, socks, sweaters and jewelry. Local theatres overflow with local talent. Have you thought of gift certificates for outings there? The Canadian purchasing dollar needs to be kept in the pockets of Canadians.
If you should be lucky enough to be in the RB category, I don’t think it is difficult to locate cars, canoes, yachts and recreational vehicles that call Canada their home of origin. I’m certainly sure that gift certificates can be purchased from local carpenters that can be directed to home repairs, additions, or fixing up the cottage.
Would the satisfaction not overflow if you could honestly say each and every gift you gave was a gift made in Canada? Would this not show that you have genuine concern for fellow Canadians, one and all? Traditional Canadian Christmases need not drain the coffers at home just to brighten some lights across a faraway salty sea.
My own expansive circle of friends includes quite a number of local writers. Would a Canadian-authored book not look good lying on the coffee table of one who seems hard to buy for? Go to your bookstore and ask “Where are the Canadian-authored books shelved?”
A book of poems might be just the thing to brighten a hospital bedside table. If they are unable to read it themselves, then pick it up and read it to them each time you go for a visit. Gifts can be given in many ways.
I think it would be foolish of me not to mention that I myself have four books on the market. Three of which are each made up of selections of 200 past articles that are nothing less and nothing more than a valuable keepsake of historical memories. They make great affordable gifts for mom, dad, grandma and grandpa.
The fourth book, though reading like fiction, is actually a true story about two young exceptional women whom the Little Lady and I were fortunate in being able to help well over 40 years ago. It is a tearjerker in spots, spicy in others, but that is the way their life was dealt. It’s well worth the read.
I also raise and sell a great number of canaries for Christmas gifts. There is nothing nicer for someone living alone than to wake to the sound of a bird in song.
Buy Canadian, and you may unknowingly be giving the gift of a job to one whom you’ll never meet. But that is what being Canadian is all about, is it not?
Take care, ‘cause we care.
barrie@barriehopkins.ca
519-986-4105